Watermelon harvesting machine

ABSTRACT

A mobile harvesting machine including a chassis with articulated conveyor frames mounted on opposite sides. Each conveyor frame includes inner and outer sections which are movable between laterally extended and folded positions. In order to accommodate for variations in terrain, the frames may be raised while the sections are extended and remain in substantial longitudinal alignment. A cable and pulley system supports each frame and controls its folding and terrain accommodating movement. A single feeding conveyor belt is associated with each frame and has a concave cross section to cradle produce while transporting it to inclined conveyors on the chassis. The inclined conveyors include concave belts and flexible cleats that aid in moving the produce to a storage platform. A plurality of turning rollers are employed to transfer produce from the feeding belts to the inclined conveyors.

Unite States Patent Charles 11. Morgan R.F.D. #1 Box 153. Springfield.S.(..

[72] lnventor [45] Patented July 13,1971

[S4] WATERMELON HARVESTING MACHINE 13 Claims, 10 Drawing Figs.

[52] US. Cl 198/115, 214/522 [51 j Int. Cl 865g 37/00 [50] FieldofSearch 198/113- 2,782,943 2/1957 Jonesetal Primary lzxaminer-Gerald M.Forlenza Assistant Iframmer -Frank E Werner Attorney-Burns. Doane,Swecker and Mathis ABSTRACT: A mobile harvesting machine including achassis with articulated conveyor frames mounted on opposite sides. Eachconveyor frame includes inner and outer sections which are movablebetween laterally extended and folded positions. In order to accommodatefor variations in terrain, the frames may be raised while the sectionsare extended and remain in substantial longitudinal alignment. A cableand pulley system supports each frame and controls its folding andterrain accommodating movement. A single feeding conveyor belt isassociated with each frame and has a concave cross section to cradleproduce while transporting it to inclined conveyors on the chassis. Theinclined conveyors include concave belts and flexible cleats that aid inmoving the produce to a storage platform. A plurality of turning rollersare employed to transfer produce from the feeding belts to the inclinedconveyors.

PATENTEDJULHIQYI 3.592.331

AM, MMzM ATTORNEYS,

PATENTEI) JUL 1 3 m SHEET 2 [IF 2 I I I 20 FIG. 4 94 on '04 I42 "4 I36"8 I o o 181 82 y 64 I26 2 .120

l f I Iif 16/ a4 5 88 90 X I24 I08 INVENTOR CHARLES H. MORGAN MM JWMATTORNEYS.

WATERMELON HARVESTING MACHINE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This inventionrelates to mobile harvesting machines. In particular, this inventionrelates to harvesting machines for conveying produce from laterallyspaced locations on opposite sides of a vehicle chassis to a storage binon the chassis.

Certain crops such as melons are difficult to harvest because they growon vines rather than well defined rows. As a result, melons, such aswatermelons are harvested by hand. The workers must carry the melons toa road through the field. It is then necessary to lift the watermelon upto a truck. The truck cannot drive over the vines because this woulddestroy the melons that are maturing on the vines. Thus, the harvestingof melons is typically a slow and laborious process.

One conventional harvesting machine includes two feeding I conveyorframes that may be extended over rows of produce. Produce loaded onthese conveyors is carried by belts to an inclined conveyor for deliveryto a trailing vehicle. When not in use, the sections of the feedingconveyor frames may be folded against the harvester frame.

Although harvesters of this type described may often be adequate, theymay sometimes prove unsatisfactory for a number of reasons.

For example, no provision is made for angular adjustment of the extendedfeeding conveyors to accommodate for variations of field terrain. Suchan adjustment is highly desirable in order to maintain the feedingconveyors at the most convenient height above the terrain.

Furthermore, since the feeding conveyor sections are folded by pivotingabout vertical axes, a separate conveyor belt and driving connection isneeded for each section of each frame.

Another disadvantage of the known harvesting machine resides in the factthat the produce may be damaged as a result of uncontrolled movementduring conveying. It is especially desirable that watermelons, or otherheavy crops, be continuously cradled when conveyed. Additionally, it isdesirable to avoid dropping the watermelons when transferring them froma feeding conveyor to an inclined conveyor.

It is also noteworthy that the conventional harvester relies on acantilever support for the extended feeding conveyors. ln watermelonharvesting the feeding conveyors span a great distance and supportconsiderable weight since each melon may weigh as much as 50 pounds,Thus, it would be desirable to provide a suspension system that wouldsupport the fully extended feeding conveyor sections at their outerends.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is, therefore, a general object of theinvention to provide an improved harvesting vehicle of the type thatspans wide areas on opposite sides of the vehicle.

It is a particular object of the invention to provide a produceharvesting apparatus having extensible and foldable feeding conveyorswhich may be adjusted to accommodate for variations in the terrain ofthe field being harvested.

It is another object of the invention to provide conveying apparatus forheavy produce, such as watermelons, wherein undesirable movement of theproduce during conveying is substantially minimized.

It is still another object of the invention to provide a produceharvesting machine including feeding conveyors and elevator conveyorsarranged so that transfer between these conveyors minimizes thepossibility of bruising the produce.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a harvesting machinehaving extensible and foldable feeding conveyors supported at theirouter ends by a cable and pulley assembly.

A preferred embodiment of the invention intended to accomplish at leastsome of the foregoing objects comprises a mobile harvesting machineincluding a chassis mounted for movement over the ground. Articulatedconveyor belt support frame are mounted on opposite sides of thechassis. Each frame ispivotable, when fully extended, about a generallyhorizontal axis in order to accommodate for variations in terrain. Theouter sections of each frame are also pivotable about generallyhorizontal axes to enable folding of the frame against the chassis.

A single conveyor belt extends around the sections of each articulatedframe thereby eliminating the need for a separate belt drive on eachframe section.

Produce loaded on these belts is transported to inclined conveyors onthe chassis where it is transferred by means of a series of rollers thatgradually turn the produce from the feeding conveyors to the elevatorconveyors. These elevator conveyors transport the produce to a storageplatform at the rear of the chassis for subsequent transfer onto ashipping vehicle.

In order to minimize undesirable movement of the produce, the conveyingrun of each belt of the feeding and elevator conveyors is tensioned intoa concave shape. The produce is thus continuously cradled duringtransport. Both the elevator conveyors and the feeding conveyors may beprovided with a plurality of flexible cleats that aid in moving andsupporting the produce. When the belts are tensioned into a concaveconfiguration, the cleats are flexed upwardly so as to form a protrusionfor engaging the produce.

Another aspect of the invention is the provision of a cable and pulleysystem which performs the triple function of supporting the extendedfeeding conveyor frames, pivoting these sections to accommodate forvariations in terrain, and folding the sections adjacent the chassis forhighway travel or storage.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A harvesting machine constructed inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustratedin the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a mobile harvesting machineaccording to this invention:

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the mobile harvesting machine shown in FlG.1;

FIG. 3 is a partial front view of the mobile harvesting machine in FIG.l with one of the feeding conveyor frame assemblies shown in its foldedposition;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the cable and pulley assembly ofthepresent invention;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view on an enlarged scale of the feeding andelevator conveyors together with the turning and positioning rollerassembly; 7

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the feeding and elevator conveyorsshown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the conveyor taken along the line7-7 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view at the intersection between the feedingand elevator conveyors taken along the line 8-8 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the elevator conveyor and flexiblecleat taken along the line 9-9 of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the elevator conveyor at a pointadjacent the storage platform taken along the line 10-10 in FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawings, a harvestingmachine according to a preferred embodiment of the invention includes avehicle chassis 2 which may be self-propelling. The chassis front andrear wheel and axle assemblies are indicated at 4 and 6.

Extending outwardly from the opposite sides of the chassis are elongatedconveyor frame assemblies 8 and 10. These conveyor assemblies are offsetlongitudinally of the chassis as shown in FIG. 2. The conveyor frameassembly 8 includes an inner frame section 12 pivotally mounted on thechassis for movement about a generally horizontal axis, indicated at 14.Attached to the inner section 12 at the end thereof remote from thechassis is an outer frame section 1.6. The outer frame section 16 ispivotally connected for movement with respect to the inner frame section12 and about a generally horizontal axis, indicated at 18 in FIG. 2.

Each of the conveyor assemblies 8 and is supported by a superstructure20 that extends upwardly from the chassis 2. A plurality of cables andthe associated pulley assemblies 22 and 24 on the superstructure 20provide support for and control the movement of the conveyor frameassemblies 8 and 10.

A single conveyor belt 26 extends along the upper surface of the innerand outer sections 12 and 16 and returns along the undersurface of thearticulated conveyor frame assembly 8. The belt 26 also extendspartially across the width ofthe chassis 2 to a position indicated at 28(FIG. 2). A conveyor belt 30 is similarly mounted on the supportassembly 10. Mounted within the chassis 2 are inclined conveyors 32 and32 which extend from the area beneath the conveyor belts 26 and 30upwardly to a storage platform 36 attached to the rear of the chassis 2.

In the illustrated embodiment the inner frame section 12 of the frameassembly 8 is constructed of two spaced side members 38 and 40 (FIG. 2).A section of a concave trough (similar to the concave trough 42 shown inFIG. 8 in connection with the frame assembly 10) made of any suitablematerial, extends between the side members and may be bolted, welded,riveted or otherwise secured thereto.

The pivotal connection between the frame section 12 and the chassis 2 isaccomplished by means of a yoke 42 (FIG. 2) having spaced parallel armsections 44 and 46 extending outwardly from and generally perpendicularto the chassis in substantially longitudinal alignment with the framesection 12 and on opposite sides thereof. The inner ends of the arms 44and 48 are secured to the chassis by means of a pivot pin 48 asillustrated in FIG. 2. At the ends thereof remote from the chassis, theyoke arm sections 44 and 46 meet arm sections 50 and 52 which convergeinwardly toward the frame section 12 and are secured thereto in anysuitable manner as indicated at 54 and 56. A substantially identicalyoke 58 is employed to connect the inner frame section 60 of the supportframe assembly 10 to the chassis 2 for pivotal movement about thegenerally horizontal axis 62 (FIG. 1). The yoke connections 42 and 58permit movement of these inner frame sections about generally horizontalaxes 14 and 62.

Each of the side members 38 and 40 of the inner frame section 12includes at the ends 64 thereof remote from the chassis a dependingflange 66 extending from the underside 58 thereof for the purpose ofpivotally connecting the inner section 12 and the outer section 16 ofthe support frame assembly 8.

The outer frame section 16 is constructed of two pieces of spaced sidemembers 68 and 70 with a concave trough (not shown) suitably securedthereto. Side members 68 and 70 include, at their inner end 72, adepending flange 74 which mates with the corresponding depending flange66 of the inner section. A generally horizontally extending pivot bolt76 passes through the mating flanges to pivotally secure the outersection to the inner section.

As shown in phantom lines in FIG. 1, the positioning of adjacent ends 79and 81 of the frame section sides, and of the pivot axis, is such thatclockwise movement of the outer section 16 with respect to the innersection 12 is prevented by abutment of the ends 79 and 81.Counterclockwise movement is, however, permitted. Therefore, clockwiseforces on the outermost portion 78 of the outer frame section 16 aretransmitted, by means of pivot bolt 76, to the inner frame sections 12,thereby tending to pivot the entire feeding conveyor support frameassembly 12, in a clockwise direction about the generally horizontalaxis 14. It will be appreciated that the inner and outer frame sectionsremain in substantial longitudinal alignment during this movement.

The inner frame section 60 of the support frame assembly 10 is pivotallyconnected to the .outer frame section 80 for similar movement. The innerand outer sections pivot together in the upward direction, while theouter section is also permitted to rotate downwardly with respect to theinner section.

Also shown in phantom lines in FIG. 1, the outer frame includes alongitudinal projection 77 that overlies the inner frame section 12 whenthe sections 12 and 20 are in substantial longitudinal alignment. Theprojection 76 forms part of the base ofa tripod assembly 142 over whicha folding cable of the system 22 extends.

Extending upwardly from the outer frame section 16 adjacent the outerend 78 thereof, is a generally U-shaped bracket 82 to which one supportcable of the system 22, hereinafter described, is attached. A similarU-shaped bracket 84 likewise extends upwardly from the inner framesection 12 adjacent the outer end 64 thereof.

Referring to FIG. 4, a schematic diagram of the cable and pulleyassembly 22 which supports and controls the movement ofthe feedingconveyor frame assembly 8 is there shown.

A cable control mechanism 86 including a fixed hydraulic cylinder 88 anda movable piston rod 90 is mounted on the chassis 2 below thesuperstructure 20. A pulley block 92 is fixedly secured to the rod 90and movable therewith.

Two fixed pulley blocks 94 and 96 are mounted on the supcrstructure 20adjacent the upper and middle portions respectively thereof. A cable 98is secured at one end 100 to the bracket 82 on the outer frame section16, and is fixed at the other end 102 to the chassisv The cable 98provides, together with its associated pulleys, the means for adjustingthe frame assembly 8 to accommodate for variations in terrain and themeans for supporting the frame assembly 8 when the inner and outersections thereof are in longitudinal alignment. When the frame assembly8 is in its fully extended position, the cable 98 is in a taut statesupporting any downward load exerted by the assembly 8 and any producethereon.

Between its fixed ends the run of the cable 98 is such that it passesupwardly from the bracket 82 to a pulley 104 on the upper fixed pulleyblock 94 and then downwardly around a pulley 106 on the middle fixedpulley block 96. Cable 98 then extends further downwardly around apulley 108 on the movable pulley block 92 mounted on the piston rod 90.

Movement of the piston rod 92 in a direction away from the outer end 78,as indicated by the arrow 110, producesthrough the first cable 98aclockwise moment on the frame section 16, thereby resulting in thepivoting of the entire frame assembly 8 about the generally horizontalaxis 14 in the manner previously described.

A second cable 112 is secured at one'end 114 to the bracket 84 at theouter end 64 of the inner support frame section 12. The other end 116 ofthe cable 112 is attached to the piston rod 90 and movable therewith.

Between its end 114 and 116, the run of the cable 112 passes upwardlyfrom the bracket 84 to a pulley 118 on the upper fixed pulley block 94,and then downwardly around a pulley 120 on the middle fixed pulley block96. Afterwards the cable extends downwardly and is looped around betweentwo pulleys 122 and 124 on the movable pulley block 92 and two lowerpulleys 123 and 125 that are fixed to the chassis 2.

When the frame structure 8 is in its extended position generallyperpendicular to the chassis 2, the cable 112 is slack as indicated at126 (FIG. 4). It will be appreciated that with the arrangement describedmovement of the piston rod 90 with respect to the cylinder 88 in thedirection of the arrow 110 will cause the cables 98 and 112 to move atdifferent lineal speeds. The reason for this is apparent in that thecable 112 is looped twice at 128 and 130 between two movable pulleyswhereas cable 98 passes about only one movable pulley. A given stroke ofthe piston rod 84 displaces the end 116 of the cable 112 insofar as thelineal path of cable travel is concerned, a greater distance from theframe assembly 8 than the end 102 ofthe cable 98.

Upon a predetermined movement of the piston rod 90, the

initially slack cable 112 overcomes the cable 112 and causes a clockwisemoment to be exerted on the outer end 64 of inner section 12 of theassembly 8 which results in the pivotal motion of the outer end aboutthe pivot point 14, as indicated in FIG. 1 by the arrow 132. At thispoint, the outer frame section moves downward because the inner framesection 12 tends to move about the axis 14 at a greater rate than theouter end '78 of the outer section 16. Any further forces exerted by thefirst cable 98 on the outer section 16 tend to aid in the folding of theframe assembly 12 since the inner section is continually moving aboutpivot point 14 at a faster rate.

Eventually the faster moving cable 112 takes the entire load of theframe assembly 8 so that in the absence of further support of the outersection 16, the folding of the assembly may be dangerous due touncontrolled downward movement of that section about the pivot point 18.

To this end, a folding cable 136 is attached at one end 138 to theforward section 78 of the outer conveyor frame section 16, and at theother end 140 to the superstructure 20. The cable 136 passes over atripod 142 adjacent the point ofjoining between frame sections 12 and16. This cable supports the outer frame section 20 during folding.

It will be appreciated that the cable and pulley assembly for the secondconveyor support frame assembly may be substantially identical with thatdescribed for the frame assembly 8.

The belt 30 of the frame assembly 8 is supportedly extended around aroller 143 rotatably mounted on the outer portion 145 of the outer framesection 80. The roller may be supported in any convenient manner such asby a pin 148 rotatably received by a depending flange 146 extendingdownward from the frame section 80.

At a point with the longitudinal confines of the chassis 2, the belt 30passes over a rotatable drive roller 150 (FIG. 5) that frictionallyengages the belt to provide its feeding movement. Between the end of theconcave trough 42 on the inner frame section 60 and the roller 150 thebelt 30 gradually begins to flatten out as indicated at 152 (FIG. 10).

Uncontrolled movement ofa watermelon or other object on the flattenedbelt is prevented by means ofa plurality of rollers 154 mounted on platemembers 142 (secured in any suitable manner to the chassis) which rungenerally parallel to the iongitudinal edges ofthe belt 30.

A plurality of pivot bolts 156 extend generally vertically through theplate members and rotatably receive a roller 154 both above and belowthe plate members. The peripheries of the rollers 154 extend inwardly ofthe plate members 142 to overlie the belt 30 so as to engage, as shownat 158 (FIG. 1) any produce that may be jarred toward the plate members.

Adjacent the spacial intersection between the feeding conveyor belt 30and the inclined conveyor 34, the plate member 142 is gradually curvedacross the belt 30, as shown at 160. The conveyed produce is turned fromthe feeding conveyor to the elevator conveyor by means of rollers 154mounted along that curved portion.

The elevator conveyor 34 is mounted within the chassis 2 and inclinedtoward the forward end so as to extend, at one end 162, beneath thefeeding belt 30. The other end 164, extends up to the storage platform36 attached to the rear of the chassis. An endless conveyor belt 166 issupported between two rotatably mounted rollers 169 and 170 (FIG. 6),one of which may be a drive roller.

It is desirable that the conveying run of the belt 166 be generallyconcave, as indicated at 168 so that the watermelon may be cradledduring travel to the storage platform. To this end, a plurality of setsof longitudinally spaced rotatably mounted rollers 170 may be used (seeFIG. 9). These rollers are inclined downwardly toward each other withsufficient included angles to impart the desired concave cross sectionto the belt. Alternatively, a concave trough similar to the previouslydescribed sheet metal member 42 may be employed.

In order to aid the climb of the melons in their travel on the elevatedconveyors 40 and 42, a plurality of flexible cleats 172 are provided.The cleats may be formed by strips of flexible conveyor material thatare stretched flat, transversely of the belt and secured to oppositesides thereof. When the conveying portion of theconveyor belt 126 is inits concave configuration 168, the midportions of the cleats are flexedupwardly to provide a raised protrusion indicated at 174, by which awatermelon or the like is supported during its travel up the incline.The flexing of a cleat 172 at its midportion is enhanced by two spacedrings 176 and 178 secured to midportion of the cleat in slightly spacedrelation.

Since the elevator conveyor belt 168 flattens out in FIG. 10 as itpasses around the roller 170, the flexible material used for the cleats172 returns to a position generally flat against the belt.

In the illustrated embodiment, two plate members 180 extend alongopposite sides of the elevator belt 168 for the purpose of supporting aplurality of rollers 182 that prevent damage of the produce as it movesto the platform. The mounting of the roller 182 on the plate member 180is similar to that ofthe rollers I54 and plate members 142. If desired,all the rollers 154 and 182 may be coated with a suitable resilientmaterial, such as rubber, so that the possibility of damage to anyproduce that engages them is further reduced.

In order to prevent the necessity for adjusting the belt 30 because ofthe folding movement of the frame assembly 10, a plurality of idlerollers 153 and 154 (FIG. I) are rotatably mounted in depending flanges157 and 159 extending from the underneath side of the frame sections 60and 80. The belt 30 passes between the idle rollers 154 and 156 and theunderneath sides of the frame sections. The idle rollers are so spacedthat the belt 30 folds and remains on the conveyor without anyadjustment necessary with the conveyor assembly in either its folded orextended positions. The optimum spacing for rollers, of course, dependsupon the relative lengths of the frame sections.

Controlled movement of watermelon or other produce by the conveyor belt30 is assured since the rollers 142 and 150 tension the belt intogenerally eonformingly engagement with the trough 42. In this way, theproduce is cradled by the concave belt, indicated at 149, as it passesalong the feeding conveyor frame assembly 10. It has been found that theconforming engagement of the trough members by the conveyor belt doesnot result in any appreciable wear either on the troughs or on the belt.

OPERATION The operation of the harvester is described as particularlyapplied to the harvesting of watermelons.

With the feeding conveyor support frames in folded position, theharvester may be driven to the watermelon field. At this time retractionof the piston rods to the position illustrated in FIG. 4 permits thearticulated sections of the support frames 8 and 10 to be moved by atension spring 187 having one end fixed to the chassis at 189 (FIG. 3)and the other end fixed to a projection 191 on the inner frame section,to their extended positions, extending generally transversely of thechassis and substantially parallel to theterrain of the field. In thepreferred embodiment, the total width of the harvester with the framesin their extended position, is approximately 70 feet. This permits agrower to provide a greater space between the roads through the fieldsince the watermelons may be loaded on the feeding conveyors throughouttheir length.

Preferably, the height of the extended feeding conveyors above thewatermelon field is approximately 3 feet. As the harvester traverses theroad and the terrain changes, actuation ofthe piston rod 90, in thedirection of the arrow (FIG. 4) results in a force, exerted by the cable98, on the outer front frame section 16. The upward force thus providedis transmitted by means of the pivot connection 76 to the pivotconnection 14 so that the frame sections 12 and 16 remain longitudinallyaligned but pivot together with about the axis 14 to accommodate forhills or the like. It will be appreciated that an additional piston andcylinder assembly and cable arrangement control the movement of theframe assembly 10 in a similar manner. Also it is desirable that eachpiston be independently operable so that greater flexibility in terrainaccommodation will be available.

Melons loaded onto the feeding conveyor belts are transported toward thechassis along the support frame assemblies 8 and 10 and they arecontinuously supported or cradled as they travel because of thetensioning ofthe belts into generally conforming engagement with theconcave troughs. The great weight on the frame assembly is adequatelysupported by the cables.

When the melons reach the chassis, if they are jarred by movement of theharvester over bumpy roads, they are protected from damage in that theywill engage the rollers E54 spaced on opposite sides of the feedingconveyor belt. It should be noted, that flexible cleats 172 such asthose used on the elevator conveyors may also be conveniently employedin connection with the feeding conveyors.

When the melons reach the curved portion 160 of the roller support frame142, they are gradually turned from the feeding conveyors to theelevator conveyors by means of the rollers [54. The centerlines of therollers 1154 define generally a curved line parallel to the curvedportion 160 of the support frame. Use of the turning rollers permits thetransfer of the produce from the feeding to the elevator conveyorswithout the necessity of dropping the produce a great distance andsubjecting it to unnecessary damage. A minimum clearance is providedbetween the feeding and elevator conveyors at the point of intersectionof their paths of travel.

The melons are then carried up the inclined elevator conveyor assemblies32 and 34 to the platform 36 with the aid of the flexible cleats 172 andthe protection of rollers 1252 extending along the sides of the elevatorbelts.

The previously mentioned platform 36 is so designed as to accommodateapproximately 40 watermelons they are being transferred to a trailerwagon. For convenience, the trailer wagon may be directly hitched to theharvesting machine by means of a drawbar or any other suitableconnecting means (not shown).

The feeding conveyors and the elevator conveyors may be powered by anysuitable means such as a series of gearboxes and chain sprockets drivenby a belt from the propulsion motor of the chassis (not shown). It ispreferred that the drive means for the belts be sufficiently independentfrom the drive means of the vehicle so that they may be started andstopped independently from machine motion.

Furthermore, the drive for the belts may be conveniently arranged sothat different speeds are available. It has been found thatapproximately 1 foot per second is a practical lineal speed for averageharvesting conditions. However, increases in speed to about 3 feet persecond are sometimes desirable.

it has also been found desirable to have the elevator conveyors travelat a greater speed than the feeding conveyors, so that congestion at theloading end and conveyor transfer point is substantially eliminated.Such congestion may result in unnecessary damage to the melons.

When harvesting is complete, in order to prepare the harvester forhighway travel or for storage, the hydraulic cylinders are then actuatedto extend the pistons (a distance greater than the extension involved inthe accommodation of terrain differences). The feeding conveyor framesrotate in extended positions to a position 184, as indicated in phantomlines in FIG. 1, where the difference in speeds of the cablesrespectively attached to the inner and outer sections cause the loadfrom the frame sections to be transferred and thereby results in thepivoting of the outer portion of the frame assemblies downward withrespect to the inner section. Further movement of the pistons results inthe folding of the conveyor frames as shown in FIG. 3 at 140.

it will be seen that in following the present invention, a mobileharvesting machine which is particularly adaptable for harvestingwatermelons is provided.

Of particular significance is the provision ofa cable and pulley supportsystem which performs the triple function of supporting the great weightof the extended conveyor constructions, accommodating for variations interrain, and folding the frame sections adjacent the chassis. Thearrangement of the frame sections on the chassis permits the use of asingle conveyor belt, rather than separate conveyor belts for eachsection.

Other advantages are provided by the concave shape of the feedingconveyor belts and elevator conveyor belts with their flexible cleatswhich provide cradled travel for the watermelons being transported.

A particular advantage in the structure for transferring the producefrom the feeding conveyors to the elevator conveyors of the presentinvention is the substantial elimination of any unnecessary dropping ofthe produce by means of the feeding conveyor passing over the elevatorconveyor and the use of turning rollers.

Further, the method of pivoting the extended conveyor belt support framesections so that they remain in general alignment within a predetermineddegree of pivotal motion is particularly advantageous in accommodatingirregular terrain, such as on the side of a hill.

Although the invention has been described with reference to onepreferred embodiment, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the artthat additions, modifications, substitutions, deletions and otherchanges not specifically described may be made which fall within thespirit of the invention as defined in the following claims.

I claim:

1. A mobile machine for use in the field harvesting of produce, themachine comprising:

a chassis,

means mounting said chassis for movement over the ground,

conveyor means mounted on said chassis for transporting the produce froman outwardly spaced position to said chassis, said conveyor meansincluding first and second elongated frame sections,

means mounting one end of said first frame section on said chassis forrotation about a first generally horizontal axis, between a loweredposition extending transversely of said chassis and a raised position,

means mounting one end of said second frame section for swingingmovement on the opposite end of said first frame section about a second,generally horizontal axis, between a raised position in substantiallongitudinal alignment with said first frame section, and a loweredposition generally parallel to said first frame section,

means for progressively raising the opposite end of said second sectionwhile said first and second frame sections remain in substantiallylongitudinal alignment and lowering said second frame section relativeto said first section by swinging about said second axis while raisingsaid first section by swinging about said first axis, whereby saidconveyor sections are adjusted vertically and folded against saidchassis,

a first movable cable attached to said first frame section, said firstcable being slack while said first and second frame sections remainsubstantially in longitudinal alignment, and

a second movable cable attached to said second frame section forsupporting the load of said conveyor means while said first and secondframe sections remain substantially in longitudinal alignment.

2. A harvesting machine for use in the field harvesting of produce, themachine comprising:

a chassis,

means mounting said chassis for movement over the ground,

conveyor means mounted on said chassis for transporting the produce froman outwardly spaced position to said chassis, said conveyor meansincluding first and second elongated frame sections,

means mounting one end of said first frame section on said chassis forrotation about a first generally horizontal axis, between a loweredposition extending transversely of said chassis and a raised position,

means mounting one end of said second frame section for swingingmovement on the opposite end of said first frame section about a second,generally horizontal axis, between a raised position in substantiallongitudinal alignment with said first frame section, and a loweredposition generally parallel to said first frame section,

means for progressively raising the opposite end of said second sectionwhile said first and second frame sections remain in substantiallylongitudinal alignment and lowering said second frame section relativeto said first section by swinging about said second axis while raisingsaid first section by swinging about said first axis, whereby saidconveyor sections are adjusted vertically and folded against saidchassis,

a first movable cable attached to said first frame section, said firstcable being slack while said first and second frame sections remainsubstantially in longitudinal alignment, and

a second movable cable attached to said second frame section forsupporting the load of said conveyor means while said first and secondframe sections remain substantially in longitudinal alignment,

said raising means including means for moving said first and secondcables comprising a cylinder and'piston unit having a movable pistonrod, and a pulley assembly mounted on said piston rod, said first andsecond cables passing over said pulley assembly.

3. A harvesting machine according to claim 2 including:

a third cable having one end attached to said second frame and the otherend fixed to said chassis,

an elongated leg attached to said second frame section and extendingupwardly therefrom,

said third cable passing over said leg and supporting said second framesection during movement between its raised and lowered positions,

means for moving said second cable at a first rate of speed,

and

means for moving said first cable at a second rate of speed greater thansaid first rate of speed.

4. A mobile machine for use in the field harvesting of produce, themachine comprising:

a chassis,

' means mounting said chassis for movement over the ground,

conveyor means for transporting the produce from an outwardly spacedposition to said chassis, said conveyor means including a first framehaving first and second elongated frame sections,

means pivotally mounting one end of said first frame section on saidchassis for rotation about a first axis, between a first positionextending generally transversely of said chassis and a second positionfolded adjacent said chassis,

means pivotally mounting one end of said second frame section forswinging movement on the opposite end of said first frame section abouta second axis, between a first position extending transversely from saidchassis in substantial longitudinal alignment with said first framesection and a folded second position adjacent said chassis and generallyparallel to said first frame section, and

a cable and pulley system for supporting said frame with said first andsecond frame sections in substantial longitudinal alignment a secondcable and pulley system for rotating said first and second framesections about said first and second axes to folded positions adjacentsaid chassis,

and power means acting in one direction to move the second cable andcontinuing in the same direction to move the first cable.

5. A harvesting machine according to claim 4 wherein:

said first axis and said second axis are generally horizontal.

6. A harvesting machine according to claim 4 wherein:

said conveyor means includes a single conveyor belt extending about saidfirst frame section and said second frame secton.

7. A harvesting machine according to claim 4 wherein: said cable andpulley system includes a cylinder and piston unit having a piston rod,and the pulley for the respective cables being mounted at spaced pointson said piston rod and having the respective cables passing over thespaced pulleys. 8. A harvesting machine according to claim 4 wherein:said conveyor means includes a second frame having first and secondelongated frame sections, means pivotally mounting one end of said firstframe section of said second frame on said chassis, for rotation about afirst axis between a first position extending transversely from saidchassis and a second position folded adjacent said chassis, meanspivotally mounting one end of said second frame section of said secondframe of swinging movement on the opposite end of said first framesection about a second axis, between a first position extendingtransversely from said chassis in substantial longitudinal alignmentwith said first frame section, and a second position adjacent saidchassis and generally parallel to said first frame section of saidsecond frame, and a second cable and pulley system for supporting saidsecond frame and for rotating said first and second frame sectionsthereof to folded positions adjacent said chassis, said second cable andpulley supporting system being operable independently of said firstcable and pulley supporting system, said first-mentioned frame and saidsecond frame being mounted on opposite sides of said chassis. 9. Aharvesting machine according to claim 4 wherein: each of said cable andpulley systems includes a first cable attached to one of said firstframe sections, a second cable attached to one of said second framesections, means for moving said first and second cables to rotate saidfirst and second frame sections, and spaced pulley means for causingsaid first cable to move at a faster rate than said second cable. 10. Aharvesting machine according to claim 4 wherein: each of said firstcables is slack when the first frame section to which it is attached isin its transversely extended position. II. A harvesting machineaccording to claim 4 wherein: each of said cable and pulley systemsincludes a conveyor frame folding cable having one end fixed to one ofsaid second frame sections and the other end fixed to said chassis, saidfolding cable supporting said one second frame section during at leastpartof its movement to its folded position. 12. A harvesting machine foruse in the field harvesting of produce, the machine comprising:

a chassis, means mounting said chassis for movement over the ground,conveyor means for transporting the produce from an outwardly spacedposition to said chassis, said conveyor means including a first framehaving first and second elongated frame sections, means pivotallymounting one end of said first frame section on said chassis forrotation about a first axis, between a first position extendinggenerally transversely of said chassis and a second position foldedadjacent said chassis, means pivotally mounting one end of said secondframe section for swinging movement on the opposite end of said firstframe section about a second axis, between a first position extendingtransversely from said chassis in substantial longitudinal alignmentwith said first frame sec tion and a folded second position adjacentsaid chassis and generally parallel to said first frame section, and acable and pulley system for supporting said frame with said first andsecond frame sections in substantial longitudinal alignment, and forrotating said first and second frame section about said first and secondaxes to folded 3 position adjacent said chassis,

conveyor, the centerlines olsaid rollers defining a gradual curve todeflect the produce from said single conveyor belt to said inclinedconveyor, K

13. A harvesting machine according to claim 12 wherein:

said conveyor means includes idle rollers on the underneath side of saidfirst and second frame sections, said conveyor belt passing between saididle rollers and said frame sections.

1. A mobile machine for use in the field harvesting of produce, themachine comprising: a chassis, means mounting said chassis for movementover the ground, conveyor means mounted on said chassis for transportingthe produce from an outwardly spaced position to said chassis, saidconveyor means including first and second elongated frame sections,means mounting one end of said first frame section on said chassis forrotation about a first generally horizontal axis, between a loweredposition extending transversely of said chassis and a raised position,means mounting one end of said second frame section for swingingmovement on the opposite end of said first frame section about a second,generally horizontal axis, between a raised position in substantiallongitudinal alignment with said first frame section, and a loweredposition generally parallel to said first frame section, means forprogressively raising the opposite end of said second section while saidfirst and second frame sections remain in substantially longitudinalalignment and lowering said second frame section relative to said firstsection by swinging about said second axis while raising said firstsection by swinging about said first axis, whereby said conveyorsections are adjusted vertically and folded against said chassis, afirst movable cable attached to said first frame section, said firstcable being slack while said first and second frame sections remainsubstantially in longitudinal alignment, and a second movable cableattached to said second frame section for supporting the load of saidconveyor means while said first and second frame sections remainsubstantially in longitudinal alignment.
 2. A harvesting machine for usein the field harvesting of produce, the machine comprising: a chassis,means mounting said chassis for movement over the ground, conveyor meansmounted on said chassis for transporting the produce from an outwardlyspaced position to said chassis, said conveyor means including first andsecond elongated frame sections, means mounting one end of said firstframe section on said chassis for rotation about a first generallyhorizontal axis, between a lowered position extending transversely ofsaid chassis and a raised position, means mounting one end of saidsecond frame section for swinging movement on the opposite end of saidfirst frame section about a second, generally horizontal axis, between araised position in substantial longitudinal alignment with said firstframe section, and a lowered position generally parallel to said firstframe section, means for progressively raising the opposite end of saidsecond section while said first and second frame sections remain insubstantially longitudinal alignment and lowering said second framesection relative to said first section by swinging about said secondaxis while raising said first section by swinging about said first axis,whereby said conveyor sections are adjusted vertically and foldedagainst said chassis, a first movable cable attached to said first framesection, said first cable being slack while said first and second framesections remain substantially in longitudinal alignment, and a secondmovable cable attached to said second frame section for supporting theload of said conveyor means while said first and second frame sectionsremain substantially in longitudinal alignment, said raising meansincluding means for moving said first and second cables comprising acylinder and piston unit having a movable piston rod, and a pulleyassembly mounted on said piston rod, said first and second cablespassing over said pulley assembly.
 3. A harvesting machine according toclaim 2 including: a third cable having one end attached to said secondframe and the other end fixed to said chassis, an elongated leg attachedto said second frame section and extending upwardly therefrom, saidthird cable passing over said leg and supporting said second framesection during movement between its raised and lowered positions, meansfor moving said second cable at a first rate of speed, and means formoving said first cable at a second rate of speed greater than saidfirst rate of speed.
 4. A mobile machine for use in the field harvestingof produce, the machine comprising: a chassis, means mounting saidchassis for movement over the ground, conveyor means for transportingthe produce from an outwardly spaced position to said chassis, saidconveyor means including a first frame having first and second elongatedframe sections, means pivotally mounting one end of said first framesection on said chassis for rotation about a first axis, between a firstposition extending generally transversely of said chassis and a secondposition folded adjacent said chassis, means pivotally mounting one endof said second frame section for swinging movement on the opposite endof said first frame section about a second axis, between a firstposition extending transversely from said chassis in substantiallongitudinal alignment with said first frame section and a folded secondposition adjacent said chassis and generally parallel to said firstframe section, and a cable and pulley system for supporting said framewith said first and second frame sections in substantial longitudinalalignment a second cable and pulley system for rotating said first andsecond frame sections about said first and second axes to foldedpositions adjacent said chassis, and power means acting in one directionto move the second cable and continuing in the same direction to movethe first cable.
 5. A harvesting machine according to claim 4 wherein:said first axis and said second axis are generally horizontal.
 6. Aharvesting machine according to claim 4 wherein: said conveyor meansincludes a single conveyor belt extending about said first frame sectionand said second frame secton.
 7. A harvesting machine according to claim4 wherein: said cable and pulley system includes a cylinder and pistonunit having a piston rod, and the pulley for the respective cables beingmounted at spaced points on said piston rod and having the respectivecables passing over the spaced pulleys.
 8. A harvesting machineaccording to claim 4 wherein: said conveyor means includes a secondframe having first and second elongated frame sections, means pivotallymounting one end of said first frame section of said second frame onsaid chassis, for rotation about a first axis between a first positionextending transversely from said chassis and a second position foldedadjacent said chassis, means pivotally mounting one end of said secondframe section of said second frame of swinging movement on the oppositeend of said first frame section about a second axis, between a firstposition extending transversely from said chassis in substantiallongitudinal alignment with said first frame section, and a secondposition adjacent said chassis and generally parallel to said firstframe section of said second frame, and a second cable and pulley systemfor supporting said second frame and for rotating said first and secondframe sections thereof to folded positions adjacent said chassis, saidsecond cable and pulley supporting system being operable independentlyof said first cable and pulley supporting system, said first-mentionedframe and said second frame being mounted on opposite sides of saidchassis.
 9. A harvesting machine according to claim 4 wherein: each ofsaid cable and pulley systems includes a first cable attached to one ofsaid first frame sections, a second cable attached to one of said secondframe sections, means for moving said first and second cables to rotatesaid first and second frame sections, and spaced pulley means forcausing said first cable to move at a faster rate than said secondcable.
 10. A harvesting machine according to claim 4 wherein: each ofsaid first cables is slack when the first frame section to which it isattached is in its transversely extended position.
 11. A harvestingmachine according to claim 4 wherein: each of said cable and pulleysystems includes a conveyor frame folding cable having one end fixed toone of said second frame sections and the other end fixed to saidchassis, said folding cable supporting said one second frame sectionduring at least part of its movement to its folded position.
 12. Aharvesting machine for use in the field harvesting of produce, themachine comprising: a chaSsis, means mounting said chassis for movementover the ground, conveyor means for transporting the produce from anoutwardly spaced position to said chassis, said conveyor means includinga first frame having first and second elongated frame sections, meanspivotally mounting one end of said first frame section on said chassisfor rotation about a first axis, between a first position extendinggenerally transversely of said chassis and a second position foldedadjacent said chassis, means pivotally mounting one end of said secondframe section for swinging movement on the opposite end of said firstframe section about a second axis, between a first position extendingtransversely from said chassis in substantial longitudinal alignmentwith said first frame section and a folded second position adjacent saidchassis and generally parallel to said first frame section, and a cableand pulley system for supporting said frame with said first and secondframe sections in substantial longitudinal alignment, and for rotatingsaid first and second frame section about said first and second axes tofolded position adjacent said chassis, said first axis and said secondaxis being generally horizontal; said conveyor means including a singleconveyor belt extending about said first frame section and said secondframe section, an inclined conveyor for transporting produce from saidsingle conveyor belt to a loading position, an extent of said inclinedconveyor passing beneath said single conveyor belt, and a plurality ofrollers mounted across the path of said single conveyor, the centerlinesof said rollers defining a gradual curve to deflect the produce fromsaid single conveyor belt to said inclined conveyor.
 13. A harvestingmachine according to claim 12 wherein: said conveyor means includes idlerollers on the underneath side of said first and second frame sections,said conveyor belt passing between said idle rollers and said framesections.